Improving Compliance With Evidence-Based Laboratory Testing Recommendations and Monitoring Associated Patient...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Preoperative laboratory testing protocols often include unnecessary tests.
• Evidence-based guidelines recommend reducing routine preoperative lab orders.
• Unnecessary tests increase healthcare costs and can lead to patient anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise a preoperative laboratory testing protocol based on evidence and guidelines.
• To decrease unnecessary laboratory tests by 20% without impacting patient outcomes.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies in reducing test orders.

Main Methods:

• Revision of the preoperative laboratory testing protocol.
• Integration of the revised protocol into the electronic health record.
• Implementation of supplementary strategies: educational webinars and surgeon scorecards.
• Auditing of laboratory test orders and surgical complication rates.

Main Results:

• The initial goal of a 20% reduction in unnecessary tests was not achieved.
• A downward trend in ordering unnecessary laboratory tests for low-risk patients was observed.
• No association was found between surgical complications and laboratory testing during the project.
• The revised protocol continues to be utilized by clinicians.

Conclusions:

• Implementing evidence-based protocols can lead to a reduction in unnecessary preoperative laboratory tests.
• Multifaceted strategies, including education and performance tracking, may be necessary to achieve significant reductions.
• Ensuring patient safety and avoiding negative outcomes are paramount when revising testing protocols.
• Sustained adherence to revised protocols is achievable in an academic medical setting.